Rotating Door Module Clip for Small-Opening Exterior Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening techniques for securing automotive door modules to vehicle structures are labor-intensive and require larger openings or complex shapes, complicating the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A clip assembly is designed for installation from the exterior surface of the door module, using a fastener assembly with a clip body and annular seal that secures components via rotational movement, allowing for smaller openings and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening techniques are used to secure door modules to vehicle structures, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and requires larger openings
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a clip body with first and second body portions, a seal flange, and an annular seal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling automated assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system employs a nested structure where the annular seal is positioned within the clip body, and the seal flange is integrated into the clip structure. This nesting allows the system to achieve reliable sealing and attachment through rotational movement without requiring large opening sizes.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the opening size required increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the fastener through large openings from the interior, the system is designed to be installed from the exterior surface of the door module. The first body portion is inserted through a small opening in the door module, and the second body portion engages with the door structure, reversing the traditional installation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system utilizes rotational movement as the key parameter change to transform the attachment state. Rotation of the clip body about the central axis causes the first body portion to engage with the door module and the second body portion to engage with the door structure, achieving secure attachment through a simple rotational parameter change.
3Ease of operation
If larger openings are used for fastener installation, then assembly is simplified, but the structural integrity and aesthetics of the door module are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The installation approach is inverted to exterior surface mounting, allowing the fastener to be installed through minimal openings that do not compromise the door module's structural integrity or aesthetics, while still enabling straightforward assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from linear insertion to rotational engagement. The rotational movement about the central axis allows the fastener to engage components in a dimensional transformation that achieves secure attachment through minimal opening sizes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates secure attachment of door modules to vehicle structures with minimal opening size requirements, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first body portion comprises one or more cam features configured to secure with the door module via the first opening when the clip body is rotated relative to the door module about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
an annular seal coupled to the seal flange, wherein the annular seal is configured to form a seal between the seal flange and the door module
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a fastener assembly for attaching a door module having a first opening relative to a door structure having a second opening, the door module having a cabin-side surface and an exterior surface. The fastener assembly includes a clip body and an annular seal. The clip body defines a seal flange, a first body portion to pass at least partially through the first opening, and a second body portion to pass at least partially through the second opening. The first body portion is coupled to a first side of the seal flange and a second body portion coupled to a second side of the seal flange. The first body portion can include a cam feature to secure with the door module via the first opening when the clip body is rotated relative to the door module about an axis of rotation. The second body portion includes a shoulder to secure with the door structure via the second opening when the clip body is rotated relative to the door structure about the axis of rotation. The annular seal is coupled to the seal flange to form a seal between the seal flange and the door module.